A Full Time Cooking Diploma

Prue Leith Culinary Institute for a Full-Time Cooking Diploma or Short Course

Whether you have lofty ambitions of becoming a big name in the international food industry or simply want to refresh your kitchen skills to treat your nearest and dearest, Prue Leith Culinary Institute offers it all. We present an array of full-time, part-time, and short course offerings for anyone with a penchant for food. Explore our various options below:

Full-time Qualifications

If you want to become a professional chef, with national and international opportunities, the three-year Occupational Certificate: Chef offers a comprehensive foundation. Each year is segmented into two components. Firstly, the theoretical aspect where you will learn the ins and outs of food preparation and safety, kitchen hygiene and prep, cooking techniques, and global cuisine. The second semester of the year is reserved for practical work. Students will work in a practical setting, including hotels, top restaurants, and catering venues, to learn how to apply their knowledge in a real-world kitchen environment. They’ll experience the fast-paced nature of the culinary and hospitality industry, learning on-the-job techniques and tools from industry experts. This offers students an amalgamation of practical and theoretical insight, ensuring that the cooking diploma is a blended learning experience. This national qualification can be taken alongside the City & Guilds and Advanced cooking diplomas, with a variety of courses available. Students wishing to travel and gain additional experience on an international platform can also explore our ALMA: Professional Chef of Italian Cuisine programme. 

Part-time Courses 

We understand that not every student is able to enrol in a full-time cooking diploma, and that is why we have part-time options, too. We offer an 18-month Professional Patisserie course for those looking to expand their culinary repertoire. Moreover, students can also enrol for the 18-month Foundation of Cooking qualification to obtain credits towards the National Occupational Certificate: Chef (Level 5) at a less demanding pace. Prior learning will be recognised. Click here to learn more. The Occupational Certificate: Chef – ARPL allows you further flexibility to complete your cooking diploma at a pace that suits you.

Short Courses

If you love cooking but you’re not looking to obtain a certified diploma, our short course offerings are a great choice. They can be taken alone or with family and friends for a shared and exciting learning experience. Our vast options cover a range of areas and include these, to name a few:

• Masterclass: Mastering Macaroons
• Valentines Couples Cooking
• Advanced Cakes: Gateaux and Entremet
• Taming Fire: Mastering the Art of Braaiing
• Summer Salads
• Passionate About Poultry
• Secrets of Seafood
• Festive Baking and Decorating

Pursue Your Passion for the Culinary Arts at Prue Leith Culinary Institute 

At Prue Leith Culinary Institute, we are whole-heartedly passionate about the world of food, and we would love to impart our knowledge and expertise to aspiring chefs. If you want to begin your professional culinary journey, enrol for a cooking diploma for 2023 here. Alternatively, browse our course offerings or visit our campus on one of our open days and evenings. We will happily show you our facilities, including our state-of-the-art kitchen, and answer any queries that you might have.